Gonorrhea

1. Definition of "gonorrhea."

1. It is an infectious disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhea.

2. Incubation period is two to seven days.

3. It is transmitted by sexual intercourse and at birth by an infected vaginal canal.

2. Factors that may increase the risk of gonorrhea.

1. Multiple sex partners.

2. Age (majority are 15-29 years old).

3. Race (higher risk for nonwhites than whites).

4. Low economic status.

5. Marriage status (young singles have a higher risk).

3. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea. (NOTE: Symptoms are not always present.)

1. Symptoms in men:

1. Urethral purulent discharge.

2. Burning, painful urination.

3. Anal symptoms (rectal fullness, bleeding, painful defecation).

4. Oral symptoms (sore throat, ulcerative inflammation of lips, etc.).

2. Symptoms in women (frequently asymptomatic):

1. Purulent discharge from vagina.

2. Itchiness of vulva.

3. Urinary frequency and pain upon urination.

4. Rectal pain or bleeding.

4. Measures to prevent or control gonorrhea.

1. Avoid risk of multiple partners.

2. Have all sexual partners examined and treated.

3. Take medication exactly as prescribed.

4. Have follow-up exams and cultures.

5. Have tests for other possible sexually transmitted diseases. (Several diseases may be present at the same time.)

5. Possible complications of gonorrhea.

1. Complications for men:

1. Prostatitis.

2. Epididymitis.

3. Infection of seminal vessels.

4. Sterility.

5. Urethritis.

2. Complications for women:

1. Salpingitis.

2. Pelvic inflammatory disease.

3. Sterility.

3. Other (rare) complications:

1. Meningitis.

2. Arthritis.